On 12.01.2011, DB Fernverkehr published the news that they had ordered 27 Traxx locomotives with P160 AC2 configuration, to be used with 135 new double deck coaches. Together they will form 27 rakes of 5 coaches with a high level of comfort and service aboard. With this new concept, DB Fernverkehr aims on lines with not that many travelers.
The choice of rolling stock was remarkable. For some time the DB was already negotiating with the industry about the how and when of the next generation rolling stock for the classic intercity-network (project ICx). There train sets would be the ideal solution. Next to that, Bombardier also had a self-propelled double deck concept on the drawingbord since 2008.. but nothing of that.
For this concept, DB choose for proven concepts. DB Regio already had 47 similar locomotives (the 146.2 series) locomotives and loads of similar double stock coaches. Because of the maximum speed of the locomotives, these InterCity-trains will have a maximum speed of 160 kph. – DB

background information
At that time, DB had massive quality problems and nearly no InterCity and ICE spare trains. This created an urgent need for more InterCity trains. They already had tendered a frame contract for a new EMUs for InterCity services (ICX), but negotiations with the preferred bidder, Siemens, was still without an outcome.

So to solve problems on the short term, DB found a creative solution. Bombardier rolling stock was ordered out of an existing frame contract for regional trains. This means that they didn't need to start a long tender procedure again. Next to that, both locomotives and coaches were of an already existing type, so services could start without a long trial procedure and period.

The interior of the coaches can easily be adapted to ICE level, the top speed is still 160 kph, instead of the normal InterCity speed of 200km/h. But at the press conferences DB Manager Ulrich Homburg said, that they'll try to homologate the trains for 185km/h. This value is chosen, because everything from 190km/h and above is rated as High Speed and has to meet the more complex EU rules of the TSI HS (High Speed) instead of the TSI CR (Conventional Rail).

Delivery delay
Originally, Bombardier and the DB envisaged the delivery of the first trains for 2013. The idea was that selecting a type of train that was already in service would ensure a quick and seamless introduction in commercial service. But reality proved otherwise. The DoIC-trains are different from the regional versions. These differences are not restricted to a difference color and a more comfortable interior. Also the steering and control systems and the diagnose systems on board of the locomotives and coaches are different. The loading gauge of the double stock coaches is slightly smaller compared to the DB Regio versions.
The delivery of the trains was postponed several times. Production of locomotives and coaches was already well underway in 2013, but none of them were delivered. There was no approval yet. It took until November 2014 before complete DoIC-sets appeared on the German rail network for their first dynamic tests.

DB Fernverkehr Traxx AC2: news

2016

2016-10-20

[DE] Deutsche Bahn: as of December IC2 will be redeployed

update 2016|10|20

[DE] Deutsche Bahn: as of December IC2 will be redeployed

As of the next time table change in December, all intercity trains on the relation Dresden – Leipzig – Magdeburg – Hannover – Bielefeld – Köln (IC 55) will be operated using IC2 rolling stock (TRAXX + Twindexx). Howeber this means Deutsch Bahn will withdraw all sets from IC56 services (Norddeich – Bremen – Hannover – Leipzig) as there are not enough sets available to serve both connections. (Rail Business)

On 04.09.2016, DB Fernverkehr will start using its double deck IC2 train (TRAXX + Twindexx Vario) on IC line Köln – Hannover – Dresden, starting with a single train in service IC 2445/2444. Until December 2016 all trains on this service will be replaced by IC2 rolling stock. (Rail Business)
DB Fernverkehr Traxx AC2

2016-02-04

[DE] Introduction IC2 trains on IC lines 35/50/55 delayed

update 2016|02|04

[DE] Introduction IC2 trains on IC lines 35/50/55 delayed

You may have heard about the problems the German railways (DB) are currently facing with their new IC2 trains. The double deck coaches seem to sway too much (sideways, 'Wankung') in every service, reducing the comfort level of the trains severely. Bombardier is working on the issue.

The formations with TRAXX locomotives are now in service on IC line 56 Norddeich – Leipzig. The DB first want to stabilize the availability of the IC2 trains on this route before introducing it to other lines. This means that the IC2s will come later to the IC lines 35/50/55 as planned:

Today, three TRAXX AC2 locomotives for DB Fernverkehr left Kassel. Most likely to start commercial services for DB Fernverkehr. The numbers: 146 551, 566 and 577. With 577 being among them, we are now sure all 27 units on order have been built. (Christian Klotz)

Fahrplanwechsel 2016: The German railways have started revenue services with their double IC trains from Bombardier (brand name IC2). First line on which they operate: Leipzig - Norddeich-Mile. Some impressions:

146 553 with IC 2432 "Ostfriesland" (between Bremen & Norddeich-Mole also called RE 52432) from Leipzig has left Bremen Central Station on its way to Norddeich-Mole. (Torsten Klose)

The delivery of the 27 Traxx P160 AC2 locomotives to DB Fernverkehr is delayed considerably. But with the final approval of these locomotives and their Twindexx trains only weeks away, Bombardier has resumed the production of the locomotives that were still missing.

Bombardier only built 146 551-570 until now. The production places of the 571-577 were given to DB Regio 146.2s as Bombardier awaited approval of the 146.5s. Today 146 571 was seen in Kassel, meaning the final 7 machines are soon to be outshopped. In March 2016 all 27 machines will be in revenue service. (Chirstian Klotz)

On 23.09.2015, EBA gave (partially) green light for DB Fernverkehr's new double deck IC trains, after years of testing. EBA has now given its permission for 'Testbetrieb', expecting to give full permission for passenger service before the end of the year. The DB is therefore positive about being able to put the new ICs (Bombardier Traxx AC2 locomotives + 5-car rakes of double deck Twindexx Vario coaches) into service next December. These new trains were officially presented yesterday and branded as 'Intercity 2' or short IC2. Take a virtual tour in the new trains here.

Originally, DB planned the double deck trains as intermediate/supplemental rolling stock for its aging IC-fleet. With the arrival of new ICE trains (project name ICx, final name ICE4, entering service at the end of 2017) the DB would introduce the true successor of the good old IC-service.

But things have changed. Both the IC2 and ICE4 projects have been delayed for several years. And the passenger market, also in Germany, has changed since both projects were started. DB has decided to focus on more service and more trains, never wanting to relive the past years again, years full of rolling stock malfunctions and not having enough trains to run all services they wanted. So DB Fernverkehr (IC and ICE services) is taking a leap forward.

Of the IC2 trains, 27 rakes where planned. 20 locomotives have been completed so far (146 551-570). Bombardier factories in Görlitz and Bautzen are working around the clock now to get all the coaches ready for next December. That month the first IC2 trains will be introduced in regular services. Medio 2016 all 27 trains of the first batch should be in service. But more will come. By 2030, DB Fernverkehr wants to operate 120 (!) double deck IC-trains, additonally to all the ICE4 trains that are coming too. In total, DB invests more than 12 billion euro in its long distance fleet until 2030.

Although this image gives a quite complete impression of the new double deck IC-trains for Germany, we have the feeling something essential is missing here ;). DB 146 562 therefore needs some diesel power assistance to move ahead. (Torsten Frahn)

Based on the information of Eisenbahn Kurier 7/2015 we wrote that 146 257-264 would replace the hired MRCE ES 64 U2 electrics on the RB20 (Eisenach - Halle). However we think this will not happen anymore. The 146s mentioned are being delivered to Dortmund in stead of Erfurt. Around Erfurt, Abellio will take over many regional services from DB Regio in just a few months, so introducing a new series of locomotives (training etc) would not serve much purpose anymore.

BTW. The introduction of the DB Regio locomotives will result in various re-allocations of older DB Regio 146.0/1 series locomotives.

An exotic train, we most likely will not see again any time soon. Bombardier has been testing this week with two Traxx locomotives and two metronom coaches that were hired from LNVG. IGT was managing the trials. On one side we see the light grey 146 553, at the other end of the train the new 245 201. - JS
DB Fernverkehr Traxx AC2NAH.SH Traxx DE Multi Engine

[DE] DB Fernvekehr's double deck IC train in Leipzig during open door day

update 2014|11|19

[DE] DB Fernvekehr's double deck IC train in Leipzig during open door day

Today, the ICE workshops in Leipzig held an 'open-door-day'. This was done to celebrate the 5 year anniversary of these facilities. DB's 146 564 was present, together with three double deck IC coaches. - MG/MS

There is a first time for everything. These are the first images we see of a matching double deck IC-train (DoIC) for the Intercity-network of the German railways (DB). 27 trains will be delivered by Bombardier. - HG

Two recent pictures of Traxx P160 AC2 locomotive that should have been in service of DB Fernverkehr. All 27 units are more or less completed now, we think. On the left we see 146 558 and 559 parked in Mannheim Rangierbahnhof. On the right there is 185 564 in Görlitz. - TF/MG

Both locomotives were built in 2013, both are not yet seen in regular service. On 10.10.2014, both 146 553-3 for DB Fernverkehr and 146 251 for DB Regio were seen around Kassel. - CK
Railcolor: More information about these trains:

Most of the time we bring news about locomotives. But many locomotive orders are intertwined with to other rolling stock deliveries. An example is our section about the 27 Traxx P160 AC2 locomotives for DB Fernverkehr. We get questions when these machines will be put into service.

Locomotive production, albeit slowed down as the trains originally had to be completed in december 2013, is progressing. Around 20 of the 27 machines on order (to be designated as 146 551-577) are completed already. Many of them are in Hennigsdorf.

Slowly but steadily the first images appear of the coaches, that Bombardier is building in its factory in Gorlitz (DE). Although they represent a well proven design, their delivery is delayed. The main images of this article portrait an intermediate car of the type DBpza 682.2 (no. 50 80 26-81 411-3 D-DB). Bombardier will deliver 27 five-car consists (for intermediate cars and a driver trailer).

A year ago, this 'intercity'-146 had its first trials with such a carriage. Since then, pictures of these machines on the public network without a back-up locomotive have been rare. - MR

Meanwhile, the production of these 27 Traxx P160 AC2 locomotive in light grey livery progresses in Kassel. Highest number seen in Kassel up til now is the 564, but more are ready for sure.
DB Fernverkehr Traxx AC2

Two Traxx AC2 locomotives for DB Fernverkehr are currently in Hennigsdorf near Berlin for test runs. - HG
DB Fernverkehr Traxx AC2

2013

2013-11-06

[DE] Production of IC Traxx locomotives gains momentum

update 2013|11|06

[DE] Production of IC Traxx locomotives gains momentum

Seen for the first time, yesterday, are the 146 556, 557, and 558 for DB Fernverkehr. This proves the series production of these machines for Intercity-double deck trains has commenced. 146 551, 552 and 553 were completed in 2012, 146 554 and 555 early 2013. - CK
DB Fernverkehr Traxx AC2

2013-09-21

[DE] ICx versus double deck Intercity

update 2013|09|21

[DE] ICx versus double deck Intercity

For a few days now, news about the DB changing its second ICx order has emerged several times. The number of train sets on order is being reduced with 31 sets. Apparently DB changes its service concepts of the future.

Remarkably, these messages also include the news the DB is ordering seventeen additional rakes of double deck coaches for intercity services. The volume of the order is 293 million euro. As we are a website about locomotives, this immeditaley raises the question: will there be 17 additional 146.5 series locomotives? We don't know. We try to find out.

Last week, we saw locomotive 146 551 for the first time outside the Kassel factory. Last Friday it arrived in Leipzig. This (early) morning it was still there. Today it continued its journey to Frankfurt a/M. - OW

At the moment DB Regio is test running one of its class 146.2 time-proven Bombardier Traxx locomotives in the still unfamiliar design of DB Fernverkehr. It is one of five pre-series locomotives which are part of a contract about 27 locomotives to be used by DB AG with Bombardier double-deck coaches nationwide. The locomotives have been equipped with additional communication features necessary to provide the usual convenience of an ICE train in the loco-hauled double-deck coaches. The features provide, for example, WTB-based functions throughout the train like a new passenger information system.

At the moment the locomotive is being tested in combination with a driving trailer on DB’s
railroad network; the picture is showing it at Frankfurt rail station. - Bombardier

Railcolor: Along with this official information, we present you four nice images of the past days, showing unit 146 553 and its DB Regio driving trailer:

In the past days, the IC colored 146 552 is performing trials with DB Schenker 185 339. The image shows the machine at track no. 200 heading towards Kassel, at Altenbeken. The intensity of trial runs made with new Traxx AC2 locomotives in Germany is remarkable, as hundreds of these machines are in everyday service already. But the Eisenbahn Bundesambt is more strict than ever. Raildox 185 409, LNVG 146 541 and 542, all are or have been subjected to longterm trial periods. Lease company MRCE did not want to wait any longer for its new 185 407 and 408 and decided to accept 185 407 and 408 without the envisaged homologation for Germany. They can only be used in Sweden and Denmark for now.
DB Fernverkehr Traxx AC2MRCE 185.2Raildox 185

News from the locomotive drivers labor union in Germany (GDL). The Deutsche Bahn has decided to cancel the set up of a new subsidiary for operating its new double deck intercity trains. In the past time GDL has strongly opposed these plan. The job of the drivers of these trains would be too monotone, as their tasks would be restricted to these services only.

We have already seen the first shots of the white 146 551 and 552 locomotives for these InterCity trains, but the delivery of the coaches is delayed. Revenue service start in December 2013 will there be postponed until, at least, June 2014, GDL states. They say this gives DB sufficient time to integrate the new InterCity services into the organization of DB Fernverkehr.

If the name of the new subsidiary (DB Transport) will still be used, when it is part of DB Fernverkehr, is unclear.
DB Fernverkehr Traxx AC2

2012-09-07

[DE] Kassel is preparing for the Innotrans

update 2012|09|07

[DE] Kassel is preparing for the Innotrans

Yesterday was a good day for trainspotting at Kassel. When you drove along the factory area of Bombardier, many different interesting locomotives were visible.

Today, IRJ informs us on the DB restructuring its long distance services. The company introduces a new subsidiary, DB Transport, part of DB Regio. Maybe it's a trick to force local authorities to financially contribute to the operational costs of these lines.

However it tells which lines are amongst the future service domain of the 27 Traxx locomotives that DB still has on order; inter-city routes 35 (Cologne-Norddeich Mole), 55 (Cologne-Leipzig) and 56 (Norddeich Mole-Dresden).
DB Fernverkehr Traxx AC2

2011

2011-01-13

[DE] Traxx for InterCity services

update 2011|01|13

[DE] Traxx for InterCity services

DB Fernverkehr has decided to order 27 Traxx locomotives with the P160 AC2 configuration, to be used with 135 new double deck coaches. Together they will form 27 rakes of 5 coaches with a high level of comfort and service aboard. With this new concept, DB Fernverkehr aims on lines with not that many travelers.
The choice of rolling stock is remarkable. For some time now the DB is negotiating with the industry about the how and when of the next generation rolling stock for the classic intercity-network (project ICX). There train sets would be the ideal solution. Next to that, Bombardier also has a self-propelled double deck concept on the drawingbord since 2008.. but nothing of that.
For this concept, DB chooses for proven concepts. DB Regio already has 47 similar locomotives (the 146.2 series) locomotives and loads of similar double stock coaches. However, because of the Traxx units, the top speed of the new rakes will be limited to 160 kph, not that much for genuine Intercity-services, but sufficient for this concept we think. Delivery will start in 2013. – DB